Program Development and Awards Advisor (PDAA)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) that was founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The organization operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a mission to provide humanitarian aid and support, the IRC employs a diverse workforce dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of millions, helping them to survive, reclaim control of their futures, and strengthen their communities. The IRC is committed to addressing the unique needs of vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls, who are often disproportionately affected by crises. The organization emphasizes a solutions-driven approach and encourages passionate change-makers to join their efforts in creating a better future for those in need.

Job Overview:
The Program Development and Awards Advisor (PDAA) plays a crucial role in supporting country programs in the West and Central Africa region by ensuring donor compliance, managing awards, and producing high-quality donor deliverables. The PDAA is responsible for advising on IRC's partnership system, managing donor relationships, and contributing to business development efforts that align with IRC's strategic objectives. This position is part of the Regional Program and Award Support (RPAS) team, which oversees a diverse portfolio of awards across humanitarian, recovery, and development sectors. The PDAA will work closely with country offices, HQ teams, and donors to provide high-quality guidance and support throughout the award lifecycle. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in securing new funding opportunities and a deep understanding of donor regulations, as well as experience collaborating with local partner organizations. This role is vital for ensuring that IRC's programs are effectively funded and compliant with donor requirements, ultimately contributing to the organization's mission of providing humanitarian assistance and fostering sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The PDAA will manage a portfolio of awards for the West and Central Africa region, including those from USG, UN, WB, and other assigned donors. Key responsibilities include providing timely support on narrative reporting and post-award deliverables, guiding country offices on amendments and submissions, and collaborating with technical and financial staff. The PDAA will serve as the first point of contact for country program-based awards staff, helping to problem-solve and advise on compliance and post-award issues. Additionally, the PDAA will manage donor relationships, maintain communication on contractual issues, and guide country offices on partner management policies. The role involves monitoring award spending, providing technical advice on compliance issues, and ensuring that lessons learned from completed projects are integrated into business development efforts. The PDAA will also support country offices with donor engagement, participate in proposal development, and contribute to capacity building through training and mentoring of staff. Other responsibilities include contributing to AMU and regional strategic priorities, participating in recruitment and onboarding processes, and engaging in strategy development initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in a relevant field such as International Relations, Refugee or Migration Studies, Development Studies, or Public Policy, or have equivalent experience. Fluency in both spoken and written English and French is mandatory. A strong understanding of European and German donor requirements is essential, along with a good grasp of humanitarian aid and development programming. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team, possess strong financial management and budgeting skills, and have the capacity to analyze and synthesize information effectively. Proven organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize tasks are crucial. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are necessary for liaising with individuals across departments in a multicultural environment. The ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, a flexible work attitude, and international work experience in the Global South are advantageous. Proficiency in IT skills, including Word, Outlook, and Excel, is required, as is the ability to travel internationally, sometimes on short notice, to insecure areas.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in a field related to the IRC's work, such as International Relations, Refugee or Migration Studies, Development Studies, or Public Policy. Equivalent experience may also be considered. Candidates should have a strong academic foundation that supports their understanding of humanitarian and development issues, as well as the complexities of donor compliance and award management.

Experience:
Candidates should have experience working at a distance and supporting country-based staff, as well as experience in writing, reviewing, and editing narrative and financial reports. A strong attention to detail is essential, and candidates should demonstrate a history of contributing to new funding opportunities in humanitarian and development contexts. Experience with donor compliance and managing relationships with various stakeholders is also important for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position, both spoken and written. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which the IRC operates.

Additional Notes:
This position does not have line management responsibilities. The PDAA will report to the Senior Program and Awards Advisor (SPAA) for the West and Central Africa region and will work closely with various teams within the Crisis Response Recovery and Development Department, as well as other key departments within the IRC. The role may involve international travel, sometimes on short notice, and may require working in insecure areas. Compensation for this position ranges from $97,400 to $116,560, with specific offers calibrated based on work location, individual candidate experience, and skills relative to the defined job requirements. The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, and an Employee Assistance Program.